This summer we had two lots of English visitors. We decided to fly back with my cousin Andrew and his wife Sue on Sept. 14th and stayed for 24 wonderful days.
On Sept. 21st we had plans to meet our friend Christine in Manchester. We decided we'd go to Coronation Street after. We booked our train and hotel and wondered who we would meet at the studios this year.
We met our friend at the Moon Under the Water pub in Manchester. When I went upstairs to the washroom I saw this photo on the wall of Ena Sharples and Elsie Tanner. I knew it was going to be a Corrie good day.
We'd only been at the studios a few minutes and Georgia Taylor walked out. I'd met Janice, Les and Leanne Battersby before so I was very pleased to finally meet 'Toyah'. Georgia was lovely! She gave Al and I a hug and talked to us a few minutes. A great start to the afternoon.
Five minutes after, we noticed someone walking towards us and we realized it was Paddy Wallace who plays Jude, Mary's son. What a hotty!!!! He was very nice, chatting to us for quite a while. He also stopped again on his way out and had a few words with us. Definitely a new favourite of mine.
Next Rob Mallard (Daniel) walked out. I congratulated Rob on winning best actor at the British Soap awards earlier that year. Definitely well deserved! Rob is a great addition to the cast. It was good knowing he was filming as we hadn't seen him on our screens for a while. Another lovely cast member to meet.
Jimmi (Dev) and Cherylee (Izzy) came out together, so I asked if I could have a photo with them both. I do like group photos! A while later Tristan Gemmill (Robert) came out. Even with his shorter grey hair I recognized him right away. I have to say I LOVE the new look. We chatted to Tristan for a while. He'd spent time in Toronto when he was younger. It was a pleasure to meet him and he has become another new favourite of mine!! Patti Clare (Mary) came out next. We've met Patti a number of times and she is always lovely. I told her the Canadian fans just love Mary!
We had seen Vic Reeves (Colin) go into the studios, but didn't recognize him till after he had passed us. We'd only seen him on the screen once, two nights before. When he walked out, we asked him for a photo.
We were very happy meeting 8 actors in 3 1/2 hours especially as 5 were new ones.
We were very happy meeting 8 actors in 3 1/2 hours especially as 5 were new ones.
We left the hotel the next morning and were heading along the canal towards the Lowry Outlet mall an hour earlier than planned. A couple passed us and Al and I looked at each other. Could it be???? Yes, it was Julie Hesmondhalgh (Hayley Cropper) and her husband Ian. The month before Julie had done a surprise video singing happy birthday to me for my 50th and mentioned it had been a while since we'd seen each other. 'Julie' I yelled. She looked at us and said 'Deboraaaaaaah'. She came over gave me a big hug and kiss. It was very quick as Julie was late for an audition. I still can't believe we got to see her, but it made our day. Talk about being in the right place at the right time.
We did some shopping at the outlet mall and then continued to the the studios. Besides meeting Corrie actors, I was excited about meeting two online friends for the first time. Julie from Glasgow and I have known each other quite a few years. Michael is known for his Coronation Street collection. It is very impressive. Please check out his website or follow him on twitter at @CStCollection
We hadn't been there long, the sun was shining and we saw someone approaching the studios. I thought it was Jack P Shepherd (David), but Al wasn't sure. I was right! (usually Al is the one that is right, I imagine seeing the cast. LOL) It was great to finally get a photo of Jack not in his car. My friend Michael arrived and it was great to say hello. We chatted Corrie and posed for photos in front of the Coronation Street sign. Tristan Gemmill walked out and said hello to us. Next thing it started to rain. Georgia Taylor (Toyah) walked out with another lady. We'd met Georgia the day before, plus with it starting to rain I had no plans to approach her. After Al said it was Louiza Patikas (Moira) with her. Michael agreed. Shame it was raining as I probably would have gone over and met another new cast member.
The rain started to get heavy so we went inside Media City for a cuppa and to warm up. We then took some photos inside there since we weren't ready to go outside yet. This was the building we watched the British Soap Awards at in 2013.
The rain didn't look like it was going to give up so we walked to the front of the studios. We didn't want to miss the chance of meeting Julie. Julie and Cameron were there and it was lovely to meet them both. A few cast members did drive out, but didn't stop. The rain continued off and on, umbrellas up, umbrellas down. Finally a cast member stopped for us. It was Sam Aston (Chesney). Sam is fabulous at stopping for fans and such a nice guy.
The Friday wasn't a good day meeting cast members, but meeting Michael and Julie more than made up for it. The day before was wonderful and we were very happy with who we met this year. The Coronation Street cast are fabulous and lovely to meet.
madame tussauds in Blackpool Oct. 7th, 2017
Two days before going home, we went to Blackpool to see the illuminations. The next morning it was rainy, windy and cool. Our relatives decided to go to Madame Tussauds. We had been there two years ago, but because of the weather decided to go again. They had added to their Coronation Street display since we were there. A wax figure of Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh) is now part of the display. They've added the front window of the Kabin, the back of the Rover's return including smoking shelter, plus the mural Craig did for Maddie. The Rovers was probably the busiest part of the museum, lots of people having a pint as they watched clips of Corrie past. It was hard to get photos at time and I'm sure a lot of people missed Deirdre who is sitting down at one of the tables.
If in Blackpool, I'd highly recommend a visit here. (get your tickets at Blackpool tourist information centre and save money)
If in Blackpool, I'd highly recommend a visit here. (get your tickets at Blackpool tourist information centre and save money)